Skin Care Routine for Acne-Prone and Oily Skin | April 2020
I designed this skin care routine for acne-prone and oily skin by following this principle. Don't target the acne. Target what your skin really needs. A lot of times, people become really harsh on their skin especially those who have acne-prone skin. Scrubs, over-exfoliation, over washing the face, not moisturizing (believing that oily skin does not need moisturizers because it's only for dry skin type), and refraining from oils (Not all oils cause breakouts. In fact, some are beneficial for acne-prone and oily skin. We will discuss it on our future blog posts.) These are the common misconceptions and practices of people with acne-prone skin and can be the reason why they still have acne.
My morning skin care routine is much simpler than my nighttime skin care routine. In the morning, I focus on hydration and how my skin will be able to survive against the sun and weather. And at night, I focus on acne prevention and treatment, fading hyperpigmentation and acne marks, and hydration.
AM Skin Care Routine
- Water-Based Cleanser
Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash with Neem and Turmeric for Occasional Acne, 5.07 oz (150 ml)
My current cleanser is the Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash, a soap-free herbal face wash that claims to be effective in preventing pimples by removing impurities and excess oil while being very gentle on the skin. Dispense a dime size amount of the product into your palm then work it into lather then massage onto the skin. It does not lather that much compared to common foaming cleansers. It is free from harmful chemicals like paraben, SLS/SLES, and phthalates. It has neem which is proven to have antibacterial and purifying properties, and turmeric which can control and prevent pimples. Turmeric is widely used in DIY masks intended for acne-prone skin.
Price: ₱176.00
Content: 150 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 4 months
Where I bought mine: Watsons
TIP: Choose a gentle gel cleanser that is designed to remove excess oil and restore the pH balance of the skin. Foaming cleansers contain surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) which are not good for the skin.
Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash with Neem and Turmeric for Occasional Acne, 5.07 oz (150 ml)
My current cleanser is the Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash, a soap-free herbal face wash that claims to be effective in preventing pimples by removing impurities and excess oil while being very gentle on the skin. Dispense a dime size amount of the product into your palm then work it into lather then massage onto the skin. It does not lather that much compared to common foaming cleansers. It is free from harmful chemicals like paraben, SLS/SLES, and phthalates. It has neem which is proven to have antibacterial and purifying properties, and turmeric which can control and prevent pimples. Turmeric is widely used in DIY masks intended for acne-prone skin.
Price: ₱176.00
Content: 150 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 4 months
Where I bought mine: Watsons
TIP: Choose a gentle gel cleanser that is designed to remove excess oil and restore the pH balance of the skin. Foaming cleansers contain surfactants like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) or SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) which are not good for the skin.
- Toner
Even though a toner is not necessary in a skin care routine, I use Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner because this product really hydrates the skin without the heavy feeling. I put some in my palm then spread it before patting it onto the skin. I focus on hydration in my morning skin care routine so this product is a must for me.
Price: ₱129.00
Content: 125 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 5 months
Where I bought mine: Watsons
TIP: You don't need a toner in your skin care routine. But if it something good for your skin, feel free to have one. Buy a toner that is hydrating and does not contain alcohol.
- Moisturizer
The one that I am using is the iWhite Korea Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizer. I put dots of this product first into the different parts of my face (both cheeks, forehead, chin, nose) then spread it using my fingertips then I pat it for better absorption. It has mulberry root extract, panax ginseng root extract, and green tea leaf extract. Its non-greasy formula makes it suitable for oily skin. Plus, it is water-based so it won't clog your pores.
Price: ₱195.00
Content: 50 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 3 months
Where I bought mine: Watsons
TIP: I don't have a sunscreen in my morning skin care routine but I am planning to buy one. I thought that the SPF of my BB cushion is enough to protect my skin against the sun but I am mistaken. Soon, I will post an updated skin care routine with sun screen in it. You cannot skip the sunscreen step because sun protection is very important if you have acne-prone skin to prevent further damage to your skin. But you can skip the moisturizer part as long as the sunscreen provides you enough hydration. Too much product on your face is not good for acne-prone and oily skin. Besides, it can easily ruin your makeup. You can use a toner or an essence to give you enough hydration even without using a moisturizer.
- Lip Balm
My lips tend to get dry and chappy easily. Using a lip balm prevents moisture loss from your lips by providing an occlusive layer. Remember, the skin of your lips is very thin compared to facial skin that is why it gets dry easier. Currently, I'm using the Apollo Lip Balm. I layer this product on my lips until I feel like it is covering it enough.
Price: I don't remember but I'm sure this is only < ₱50.00
Content: The amount of product it contains is not indicated but it looks like as much as a typical lip balm would have.
How long does it last: 6 months
Where I bought mine: Mercury Drug
TIP: You can search for lip balms with SPF in it for added protection for your lips. A lip balm should not cost you that much. You can use petroleum jelly as your lip balm.
PM Skin Care Routine
- Makeup Remover
If I am wearing makeup during that day, I will be using the Nivea Acne Clear 0% Alcohol MicellAir Water. I soak half of the cotton pad with this product then gently swipe it across my face in upward motion. Don't rub your face with the cotton pad. Just swipe it in one direction. Micellar water is made up of micelle (oil molecules suspended in soft water). It works as an effective make-up remover if you don't have a cleansing oil or a cleansing balm.
Price: ₱169.00
Content: 200 mL
How long does it last: 2 months if you are wearing makeup or sunscreen on a daily basis
Where I bought mine: Mercury Drug
TIP: Cleansing oil or cleansing balm is a better choice in removing makeup. With micellar water, you need to use a cotton pad which can cause friction and irritate the skin, and more wastes to the environment. Additionally, you can use cleansing oil or cleansing balm to massage you face.
- Water-Based Cleanser
Even though the product label of your makeup remover says that it is a no-rinse formula, still, it has surfactants in it which is not good the skin especially if you leave it on your face for an extended period of time. I use the same cleanser which is the Himalaya Purifying Neem Face Wash.
- Exfoliator/Toner
I only use an exfoliator every after 3 days. Yes, exfoliating products help with acne by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores but too much exfoliation can irritate and sensitize the skin. I use the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. I put some on a cotton pad then swipe it across the face. Please be careful not to apply pressure or it will produce friction that could irritate the skin. It is an exfoliating toner with a low concentration of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA) so it will not sensitize the skin that much. If I don't use an exfoliating toner, I will use the Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner. If I want to be extra clean that night or if I am wearing makeup during that day, I use a cotton pad soaked with this product and swipe it across the face. You can also put toner on your face without using a cotton pad. Put some on your palm then spread it before patting in onto the skin. I just love it for one reason. It is very hydrating.
Price: Lowest price at ₱450.00
Content: 150 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 1 year if you are using this every after 3 days
Where I bought mine: Shopee
TIP: Please don't use scrubs if you want to exfoliate the
skin. It only gives you that satisfying feeling of shredding off dead skin
cells but is not effective in unclogging the pores from excess oil and dead
skin cells. Besides, some scrubs have crushed walnut shells as the exfoliating
ingredient that has sharp edges which can cause micro-tears to the skin.
- Essence
I only use an exfoliator every after 3 days. Yes, exfoliating products help with acne by removing dead skin cells and unclogging pores but too much exfoliation can irritate and sensitize the skin. I use the Some By Mi AHA BHA PHA 30 Days Miracle Toner. I put some on a cotton pad then swipe it across the face. Please be careful not to apply pressure or it will produce friction that could irritate the skin. It is an exfoliating toner with a low concentration of exfoliating acids (AHA, BHA, PHA) so it will not sensitize the skin that much. If I don't use an exfoliating toner, I will use the Celeteque Hydration Alcohol-Free Toner. If I want to be extra clean that night or if I am wearing makeup during that day, I use a cotton pad soaked with this product and swipe it across the face. You can also put toner on your face without using a cotton pad. Put some on your palm then spread it before patting in onto the skin. I just love it for one reason. It is very hydrating.
Price: Lowest price at ₱450.00
Content: 150 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 1 year if you are using this every after 3 days
Where I bought mine: Shopee
TIP: Please don't use scrubs if you want to exfoliate the
skin. It only gives you that satisfying feeling of shredding off dead skin
cells but is not effective in unclogging the pores from excess oil and dead
skin cells. Besides, some scrubs have crushed walnut shells as the exfoliating
ingredient that has sharp edges which can cause micro-tears to the skin.
- Essence
I am using the CosRx Advanced Snail Mucin 96 Power Essence. With it having 96.3% of the active ingredient which is the snail mucin or snail slime, I treat it as a serum. Unlike any other essences, this product has thicker consistency so there is no need to layer serum on top of it. Although snail mucin does not treat acne, it fades hyperpigmentation and acne mark which is another problem to deal with if you have acne-prone skin. It gives me that bright, glowy, and dewy skin when I wake up in the morning. I already noticed that it faded my acne marks in just a matter of one week.
Price: ₱599.00
Content: 100 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 8 months
Where I bought mine: Shopee
TIP: A little goes a long way with this product. I only use two pumps for the whole face but it depends on the size of your face. I've read that some users only need 1 pump. 1 pump is not enough for a big face like mine LOL. Just spread it across your face then pat it for better absorption. You can use a serum or an ampoule on this step as long it will address your skin issue. I suggest that you only choose one from the three: essence, serum, or ampoule. Layering too many products is not ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. Less is more.
- Moisturizer
Price: ₱599.00
Content: 100 mL
How long does it last: It can last up to 8 months
Where I bought mine: Shopee
TIP: A little goes a long way with this product. I only use two pumps for the whole face but it depends on the size of your face. I've read that some users only need 1 pump. 1 pump is not enough for a big face like mine LOL. Just spread it across your face then pat it for better absorption. You can use a serum or an ampoule on this step as long it will address your skin issue. I suggest that you only choose one from the three: essence, serum, or ampoule. Layering too many products is not ideal for acne-prone and oily skin. Less is more.
I use the same moisturizer which is the iWhite Korea Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizer. Again I put dots of this product onto the different parts of my skin (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose) then spread it and gently pat for better absorption.
TIP: Be careful when choosing a moisturizer. Some moisturizers have pore-clogging ingredients especially the occlusive ones which can cause breakouts. Opt for gel-type moisturizers.
- Lip Balm
I use the same lip balm which is the Apollo Lip Balm. You can layer more of this product during nighttime and you will wake up to a plumper and supple lips.
TIP: You can use a lip sleeping mask at night for soft and supple lips.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
For suggestions and more updates, like/follow us on:
Facebook Page: @umacsblog
I use the same moisturizer which is the iWhite Korea Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizer. Again I put dots of this product onto the different parts of my skin (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose) then spread it and gently pat for better absorption.
TIP: Be careful when choosing a moisturizer. Some moisturizers have pore-clogging ingredients especially the occlusive ones which can cause breakouts. Opt for gel-type moisturizers.
I use the same moisturizer which is the iWhite Korea Whitening Vita Aqua Moisturizer. Again I put dots of this product onto the different parts of my skin (cheeks, forehead, chin, nose) then spread it and gently pat for better absorption.
TIP: Be careful when choosing a moisturizer. Some moisturizers have pore-clogging ingredients especially the occlusive ones which can cause breakouts. Opt for gel-type moisturizers.
- Lip Balm
I use the same lip balm which is the Apollo Lip Balm. You can layer more of this product during nighttime and you will wake up to a plumper and supple lips.
TIP: You can use a lip sleeping mask at night for soft and supple lips.
Disclaimer: This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
I use the same lip balm which is the Apollo Lip Balm. You can layer more of this product during nighttime and you will wake up to a plumper and supple lips.
TIP: You can use a lip sleeping mask at night for soft and supple lips.
For suggestions and more updates, like/follow us on:
For suggestions and more updates, like/follow us on:
Facebook Page: @umacsblog
Facebook Page: @umacsblog
Twitter: @scamublog
Instagram: @scamublog
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